Having just returned from 2 unforgettable weeks in the Philippines, I am so happy I finally got to tick this off my bucket list.
I had wanted to visit the islands of Palawan for years and they didn’t disappoint, but first stop was a few days in Manila. I stayed in the walled city of Intramuros and exploring the Fort, Cathedral and the architecture was great, but my favourite part was catching the local form of transport, Filipino Jeepney, and riding through the streets to Chinatown for a street food tour. Exploring the bustling streets, mixing with locals, and trying some local delicacies was a lot of fun.
We then left the city behind for a day out in the jungle and out to Mount Purro Nature Reserve. Spending time with the Indigenous community and learning about how they are preserving the jungle for future generations was really interesting.
Next stop, Palawan, and one of the main reasons I had wanted to visit was to see the UNESCO World Heritage site of the underground river outside Puerto Princesa. We travelled approximately 2km by boat through one of the worlds most impressive cave system. It was so unbelievable to see and peaceful exploring the amazing rock formations. Heading out on the river that night to experience the firefly watching tour out in the mangroves was mesmerizing seeing the night sky illuminate.
“The scenery is so stunning and to then come back to relax with a cocktail watching the sun go down was magical.”
The rest of my trip was spent on the stunning coastline from Port Barton up to El Nido. The islands are full of the most stunning turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs. The best way to explore most areas is by canoe and then you have the palm lined beach areas, trekking up to viewpoints and the most beautiful sunsets. There is something for everyone and you can fill each day as you please.
Most days I spent out on the water on different boat trips. Some focusing on snorkel stops, others exploring the lagoons and then there are the hidden beaches and secret coves only accessible by swimming to them. The scenery is so stunning and to then come back to relax with a cocktail watching the sun go down was magical. There are beach clubs to have some fun and listen to music and mingle with other travellers, or relaxing areas so you can choose how you feel each night. I of course managed time to have a relaxing massage as well.
My last stop was a ferry over to Coron Island for a few days. If you are a diver then this is a great spot and the snorkelling here was really good, and I was even able to swim with a turtle!! The days were long, but you can cover a lot and some of the most stunning water and scenery I have ever seen. There are the most magical inland lakes on islands to swim in and see the rock formations, lagoons to explore by canoe and then WWII shipwrecks to dive at. Then you can head further out to the most secluded sand bars and bays which blew my mind at the colour of the water and the sand.
Palawan didn’t disappoint, I had a great time and if you are a water lover like me it was an extra special trip to sit back and take it all in, swim in the most crystal-clear waters, island hopping adventures each day with dreamy sunsets of a night. Fantastic memories made.
Carly
